Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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511. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the annual current expenditure of Irish Water in 2015 and 2016; the annual capital expenditure of Irish Water in 2015 and 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45962/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Details of Irish Water’s financial forecasts for the period 1 October 2014 to December 2016 are outlined in their revenue and water charges plan which was reviewed by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Details of the review and the CER’s decision are available at - .

Following the Government’s recent decision in relation to water charges, Irish Water’s allowed revenue which was approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation continues to apply, save for the impact of a changed approach to commercial rates for water services infrastructure. Such rates were considered by the Regulator to be an ‘uncontrollable’ or pass through cost for Irish Water. By introducing an exemption from rates for any land or infrastructure used for the provision of public water services, this pass through cost will no longer form part of Irish Water’s operational expenditure.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives and has contacted all Oireachtas members to provide details of an improved level of service which it is aiming to provide. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ieor by telephone on a new dedicated number, 1890 578 578.